Lowden S10 c1986 - Natural. With Fishman Matrix Infinity

A beautifully matured example of the Lowden S10, made in Northern Ireland circa 1986. This places the guitar within an important period in Lowden’s history, shortly after George Lowden established the Bangor, County Down workshop and began training a new team of craftspeople to produce his distinctive acoustic designs.

The S10 pairs a solid cedar soundboard with solid mahogany back and sides, together with an ebony fingerboard and Lowden’s unmistakable large-bodied design. Its understated natural finish, wooden detailing and beautifully considered construction give the instrument the quietly individual appearance for which early Lowdens have become so admired.

After approximately 40 years, the cedar and mahogany have developed a wonderfully open and responsive voice. The guitar offers the warmth, depth and rich harmonic character associated with Lowden, while retaining excellent clarity and separation across the strings. It responds particularly well to fingerstyle playing, yet possesses ample projection and headroom when played with a pick.

The guitar also benefits from a high-quality Fishman Matrix Infinity Mic Blend pickup system. Combining an undersaddle Matrix pickup with an internal condenser microphone, the system allows the natural body and air of the guitar to be blended with the definition and reliability of the undersaddle element, making it a particularly capable instrument for live performance.

Overall condition is very good for its age. As might be expected of a 40-year-old guitar that has been played but carefully looked after, there are a number of small dings, nicks and surface scratches, with the most noticeable playwear situated around the soundhole. These marks are entirely consistent with honest use and contribute to the guitar’s well-earned vintage character.

There is a small repair to the upper side where the controls for an earlier pickup system were removed. The two resulting holes have been filled with matching mahogany and the repair is clearly illustrated in the photographs. Comes with a hard shell case. A mature and highly appealing early Lowden that combines genuine vintage character with the practicality of an excellent modern pickup system.

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